This is the start of the Dudamel era at the New York Philharmonic, one of the most anticipated music-director handovers in American orchestral history. The program is built to make a statement: John Adams's Pulitzer-winning 9/11 memorial work with the Philharmonic Chorus and Brooklyn Youth Chorus, a brand-new Zosha Di Castri commission shared with the LA Phil, and Prokofiev's thunderous wartime Fifth. If you only see the orchestra once this season, make it this week.
What to expect
About 90 minutes including an intermission in the renovated Wu Tsai Theater, with its surround-style seating that wraps the stage. The Adams work layers recorded city sounds and two choirs; the Prokofiev closes the night with Dudamel at full kinetic intensity.
Good to know
- The listing showed the run as sold out, so check the Philharmonic box office for returned tickets
- Take the 1 train to 66th Street–Lincoln Center
- Running time is roughly an hour and a half with intermission
- The program includes a world-premiere commission co-commissioned with the LA Philharmonic
- Latecomers may be held until a suitable break
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Common questions
Is this Dudamel's first season as music director?
Yes. This opening subscription program launches his inaugural 2026–27 season as the Philharmonic's Music Director.
What is on the program?
John Adams's On the Transmigration of Souls, Zosha Di Castri's Invisible House (world premiere) and Prokofiev's Symphony No. 5.
How long is the concert?
About 1 hour 30 minutes including intermission.
